CHAPTER 8. Monitoring & Evaluation and Research

CHAPTER GOALS

Collect, analyze, and utilize routine data from VMMC service provision and performance standards to appropriately monitor the quality and safety of VMMC services and respond as needed.

For RESEARCH & FORMAL EVALUATIONS, to ensure site staff are able to:

Participate in periodic formal evaluations and research studies that address issues not captured in routine monitoring and evaluation (M&E) by providing adequate background information.

WHAT USERS NEED TO KNOW

MONITORING & EVALUATION

Monitoring and evaluation are means of tracking progress and reviewing outcomes of a specific program with the goal of program improvement. Monitoring and reporting activities that collect, aggregate (combine), and share service provision data are an essential component of a VMMC program. VMMC programs should have the capacity to capture and track key required indicators regarding service delivery as well as safety and quality. Monitoring of VMMC programs is described in depth at PEPFAR Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Indicator Reference Guide and Table 8.1.

RESEARCH & FORMAL EVALUATIONS

Research in VMMC programs is conducted to advance the state of knowledge about VMMC practices so that global and local policies and program implementation can be improved. Research and formal evaluations are an important corollary approach to routine monitoring of VMMC services; they are used to answer specific questions related to quality, service delivery approaches, demand for, or utilization of services. Facility administrators, site managers, and facility clinical staff may either design and lead or be asked to participate in these studies from time to time. Anyone participating in IRB-reviewed research should, in addition to meeting organizational requirements, have training in research ethics. An internationally recognized online course is offered by CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) which provides an overview of research ethics [See CITI Training].

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The Strengthening High Impact Interventions for an AIDS-free Generation (AIDSFree) Project is a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Cooperative Agreement AID-OAA-A-14-00046 with support from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). AIDSFree is implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. with partners Abt Associates Inc., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, EnCompass LLC, IMA World Health, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Jhpiego Corporation, and PATH. The information provided on this website is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of USAID, PEPFAR, or the U.S. Government.